advance; vanguard; before; ahead
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesadjective
positioned at the front; advance; vanguard
Used as an attributive modifier, often referring to military units or the leading elements of a group.
Xiān先
tóu头
bù部
duì队
yǐ已
jīng经
zhàn占
lǐng领
le了
gāo高
dì地
。
The vanguard troops have already captured the high ground.
Tā他
men们
shì是
zhè这
zhī支
duì队
wu伍
de的
xiān先
fēng锋
，
zǒu走
zài在
xiān先
tóu头
。
They are the pioneers of this team, walking at the very front.
noun
before; earlier; previously (in time)
Can take the -r suffix (先头儿) in spoken language. Refers to a previous point in time.
Xiān先
tóu头
chū出
fā发
de的
chē车
duì队
yǐ已
jīng经
dào到
le了
mù目
dì的
dì地
。
The convoy that departed earlier has already reached its destination.
Wǒ我
zěn怎
me么
xiān先
tóu头
méi没
tīng听
nǐ你
shuō说
qǐ起
guo过
zhè这
jiàn件
shì事
？
How come I didn't hear you mention this matter before?
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Xiān先
tóu头
r儿
tā他
hái还
zài在
zhèr这
xiàn儿
，
zài现
bù在
zhī不
dào知
qù道
nǎ去
r哪
le儿
了
。
He was still here earlier, but I don't know where he went now.
noun
front; ahead (in space/position)
Refers to the spatial position in front of someone or something.
Qí旗
shǒu手
zǒu走
zài在
duì队
wu伍
de的
xiān先
tóu头
。
The flag bearer walks at the head of the procession.
Zhēn侦
chá察
bīng兵
wèi位
yú于
dà大
bù部
duì队
de的
xiān先
tóu头
，
fù负
zé责
tàn探
lù路
。
The scouts are positioned at the head of the main force, responsible for reconnaissance.